Mar 13, 2025

Reimagining Public Administration: The Power of Leadership, Learning and Co-Creation

We are delighted to share some reflections on our ongoing collaboration with Petra Založnik over the years. Petra is a skilled trainer and facilitator specializing in Leadership and Learning ecosystems, and has made valuable contributions to several CEF projects. These include the EU-funded multi-beneficiary projects such as "Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks" (FISR 2) and the "EU Scheme for Young Professionals in the Western Balkans" (WeLead). She has also contributed to the National Bank of Moldova's Institutional Transformation into a Learning Organization (NBM LearnOrgLab) project, and others.

"Some partnerships feel natural from the start—built on shared values, a common vision, and a deep belief in transformation. When my collaboration with CEF began in 2022, we immediately clicked, united by the understanding that true change happens at the intersection of leadership, learning, and co-creation. This synergy allowed us to reimagine possibilities, foster innovation, and create meaningful impact.

From Knowledge to Impact: Building Lasting Skills


CEF projects and events stand out because they go beyond technical expertise and knowledge, which is important in reform and governance. They also focus on developing the skills that drive long-term impact—such as leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and feedforward, among others. These competencies are not just complementary; they are essential for ensuring that knowledge is not only acquired but effectively applied. More importantly, these skills have a ripple effect, enabling individuals to drive meaningful change in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

People and Participation at the Core

People and meaningful participation are at the heart of every activity, from short meetings to long-term projects. CEF stakeholders are not just participants but true partners in the process. They are aware of their challenges and needs, and by actively listening to them and building upon their experiences, CEF creates a different impact. The shift from a “listen to us—we know what’s best for you” approach to true listening, needs assessment, training, coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing is a game changer.

This people-centred approach creates tremendous value by weaving a strong social fabric that connects individuals, teams, organizations, and even entire regions. CEF fosters a vibrant network of experts and a learning community where individuals collaborate openly, exchanging their knowledge and expertise. Through CEF projects and events, people unlock their potential and turn ideas into actionable strategies and solutions.

Facilitating Change vs. Managing It

Change is often seen as a one-time event, but true transformation is a continuous journey. While change can be initiated at a specific moment, transition unfolds over time, requiring adaptability, learning, and collective effort. That’s why CEF doesn’t just implement change—it facilitates transitions, equipping individuals and institutions with the mindset, skills, and strategies they need to create lasting impact.

Innovators – and Sometimes Disruptors


Reimagining what is possible in public administration is not just about improving results but about redefining how things are done. And this is what CEF is doing. It challenges existing norms, creates space for innovation, and inspires new ways of thinking and working.
At the core of this transformation is a shift in language, perspective, and approach. CEF focuses on building a mindset within public institutions—at the individual, team, and organizational levels—where impact is not just an aspiration but a responsibility.

Choosing Action Over Stagnation

This journey is not without challenges or mistakes. But progress is not about perfection—it’s about momentum. Real change happens when we choose action over inaction, learning over complacency, and innovation over routine. It’s about taking ownership of the transformation we want to see, one step at a time.
And that’s exactly what we’re doing."